Name: Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 pounds medium size Russet potatoes, scrubbed and dried; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 pound thick cut bacon, chopped 1/2-inch; 12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened, cubed; 1 1/4 cups sour cream, room temperature; 1 cup warm milk; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (or 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley); 1 teaspoon salt, more or less to taste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed; 1/3 cup chopped green onions; 1 1/2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese, divided; 1/2 cup freshly grated Gruyere cheese

There's something irresistibly cozy about a dish loaded with creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese — and that's exactly why I’m excited to share this Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe with you. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings comfort food vibes straight to your table.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a mashed potato casserole shows three main layers: a bottom layer of mashed potatoes with bits of herbs, a middle melted golden orange cheese layer, and a top layer of crispy small red bacon bits and bright green chopped herbs. A gold serving spoon lifts a scoop, showing the soft texture of the mashed potatoes with visible chunks and mixed herbs inside. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting makes the cheese shine warmly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make this Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe, it feels like a celebration of simple ingredients turned into something magical. Let me tell you why it’s become a regular on my dinner rotation and why you’ll enjoy making it too.

Flavor-packed comfort food: The combination of creamy potatoes and smoky bacon hits the spot every single time.
Easy to make: Despite the fancy name, it’s straightforward and doesn’t take all day in the kitchen.
Great for gatherings: It’s perfect for potlucks or family dinners, pleasing a crowd with minimal fuss.
Customizable: You can tweak the herbs, cheese, or toppings to suit your taste without losing that incredible comfort factor.

A white baking dish filled with a layered casserole showing a chunky, creamy mashed potato base mixed with small bits of herbs and browned onion. The middle layer has melted orange cheese spread evenly across the top, with crispy, dark brown bacon pieces scattered over it. Finely chopped green onions and parsley are sprinkled on top, adding bright green color. The dish has a slightly browned edge and a clear empty section where the casserole has been scooped out, revealing its thick texture. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This casserole brings together everyday ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The creamy texture, subtle herbaceous notes, and crispy bacon come together like a warm hug in a casserole dish. Here’s what you’ll need and a little about why each matters.

Flat lay of five medium russet potatoes with natural dirt marks, a small drizzle of golden olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, a pile of thick cut raw bacon chunks, softened cubed unsalted butter in a small white bowl, a white bowl filled with creamy sour cream, a small white bowl of warm milk, fresh green parsley sprigs, a small white bowl with bright green chopped green onions, freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese mounded on a white plate, freshly grated Gruyere cheese on a separate white plate, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes give that fluffy, creamy interior needed for the perfect mash.
Olive oil: To help roast the potatoes and give their skins a nice crispness.
Thick cut bacon: Adds savory richness and that crave-worthy crunch.
Unsalted butter: Provides richness without overpowering flavors; softened for easy mixing.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that brightens the dish.
Warm milk: Ensures the filling is smooth and creamy.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavors and adds a fresh herbal note.
Seasonings (salt, garlic powder, pepper, paprika, dill weed): Each adds depth, warmth, and a subtle complexity.
Green onions: Bring a mild oniony crunch and color contrast.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty – a classic pairing with potatoes.
Gruyere cheese: Adds nuttiness and a creamy texture, taking this casserole up a notch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about the Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to swap cheeses, make it a bit lighter, or add some extra veggies, it all works beautifully.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap Gruyere with mozzarella for a milder flavor that my kids adore. It melts beautifully and keeps the dish gooey and irresistible.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add caramelized onions, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for a meat-free twist that still feels indulgent.
Extra herbs: Fresh thyme or chives work well if you want to boost the herbal notes, especially in spring and summer.
Lower fat option: Substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese to lighten the casserole while keeping flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Potatoes to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Scrub and dry your Russet potatoes, then prick them a few times with a fork to let steam escape while they bake. Toss them lightly with olive oil — I like to use my hands here to get an even coat. Spread them on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast for around 45 to 60 minutes, checking with a fork for tenderness. Done right, you’ll get tender inside with skins that hold their shape nicely for the casserole.

Step 2: Crisp Up That Bacon

While your potatoes roast, cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. It’s tempting to crowd the pan but remember the bacon will shrink as the fat renders, so give it a little room to crisp evenly. Cook until nicely browned and crispy, then drain on paper towels. Reserve about ¼ cup of the bacon for the topping and set the rest aside to mix into your filling — trust me, this layering of bacon flavor is what makes the casserole extra-special.

Step 3: Prep the Potatoes for the Filling

Once your potatoes are out, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Here's a tip: work while the potatoes are still warm but manageable. Leave skins on half the potatoes for texture and peel the other half to keep things creamy. Cut each potato in half, then slice into cubes — this helps the filling come together smoothly without over-mashing.

Step 4: Mash and Mix the Magic

In a large bowl, combine your cubed potatoes (with skins), softened butter, sour cream, warm milk, and your herbs and spices. I like to mash with a sturdy masher until everything is luxuriously smooth but not gluey. Add extra milk if it seems dry — the goal is creamy and rich, not lumpy or stiff. Fold in the green onions, most of the crisp bacon, and a good portion of your grated cheddar and Gruyere cheeses. Finish by tasting and adjusting the seasoning. This step is where your casserole really takes shape.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Transfer the potato mixture into a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to make sure it bakes uniformly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, then bake uncovered at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For the finishing touch, sprinkle the reserved bacon on top, and if you like, garnish with a few extra green onions and fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Top Tip

From my experience making this casserole many times, a few small tricks made everything turn out better — and will save you some guesswork in your kitchen too!

Perfect Potato Texture: Don’t over-mash the potatoes — leaving half with skins adds wonderful texture and prevents the casserole from being gluey.
Warm Milk Matters: Using warm milk helps blend all the components smoothly, so your potatoes get nice and creamy instead of cold and stiff.
Reserve Bacon: Saving some bacon to sprinkle on top at the end keeps it crisp and visually appealing rather than soggy.
Season Liberally: Taste as you go! Potatoes soak up salt easily, so keep adjusting seasoning until it sings just right.

How to Serve Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Twice Baked Potato Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with extra green onions and fresh chopped parsley — they add a burst of fresh flavor and contrast the richness perfectly. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream on each serving is the cherry on top, especially if you want something cool to balance the warm, cheesy layers.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed green beans, or even roasted Brussels sprouts for some veggie crunch. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or a simple roasted pork loin are both fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a little extra bacon and a sprig of fresh thyme — it looks gorgeous and feels extra special. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass casserole dish so you can see all the cheesy, bacon bits nestled in the potatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The texture changes a bit — less creamy, more dense — but the flavors are still comforting and satisfying.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe before in a freezer-safe dish, and it works well! Just make sure to cool it completely, then cover tightly. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as normal — it still tastes great without losing that creamy goodness.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F, covered with foil for about 15 minutes to warm through, then uncovered for another 20-25 minutes to crisp up the cheese on top. This keeps the casserole creamy inside and delightfully bubbly on the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture. The cheeses and seasonings still make this dish rich and comforting without the meat.

What type of potatoes are best for this casserole?

Russet potatoes are the best choice because their high starch content creates a fluffy, creamy mashed potato base that holds up well in a casserole. Waxy potatoes tend to be too firm and don’t mash as smoothly.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes! You can assemble it up to the baking step, then cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake covered at 350°F for 15 minutes, then uncovered for 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

How do I keep the cheese from getting rubbery when reheating?

Reheating at a moderate temperature (around 350°F) and covering the dish with foil during most of the reheating process helps retain moisture and prevents the cheese from drying out or getting rubbery. Removing the foil towards the end melts and crisps the cheese nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole with Bacon Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to, especially when I want to make everyone feel cozy and satisfied at the dinner table. It’s comforting yet elegant, easy but impressive, and full of flavors that never disappoint. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!